Disc machine serial numbers

[jonlem1]

I would like to construct a data base with serial number vs model and patent data info for disc players - anyone who can or would like to give me serial number, latest patent date (last one) and the model number, I would like to try and see over time if there is some cooralation to some other data I have from an archive I found. my e-mail is [e-mail] - e-mail me the data - dont want anything else really but just that info. I am a new b-19 owner, so b-19's will be of sprecial interest. - but all Disc players would be great - I have 17 already from the local antique joints!

[matty]

I'm not entirely sure how accurate, or even helpful the last patent date will be in dating these machines.
I have 3 DD machines, and all 3 have the last patent date of May 23, 1916.

The first is a "late" A100. These were made between 1915 & 1918, although stocks remained into 1920-21. The earlier A100's used an ID tag of aluminium, which had a black background with silver writing. I think in 1917 (?) the tags were changed to the more familiar brass/gold tag with black writing, and this is the tag on my machine, with a serial number "SM--55144".
This is the only tag I have with a double dash between the SM & serial number, so I'm not sure what the significance of that is- if any.

The next is a C19. These were made between 1919 & 1927.
I'm guessing mine was made in around 1920 or 21, because it came from the original owner with the original record collection, the majority of which dated from about 1921 to 1924.
The serial number of my C19 is SM-111526.

The third machine is a "late" L35 (London table model). These were released in 1923 for export only, and then in 1926 became available in the USA. I think my machine was probably one of the last L35's made (1927) because it has 3 governor weights instead of the usual 2, and a thicker tapered crank unlike those found on earlier machines & earlier L35's.
The serial number of this machine is simply "5429" without any suffix letters before the number.

So loosely dating my machines at 1918, 1921, & 1927, the last patent date of May 23, 1916 on all 3 tags, doesn't really narrow down the production dates.
Three governor weights is definitely an indication that a machine was made fairly late in DD production- probably within the last year or two, but I have been unable to find any data that specifically mentions when the extra governor weight was added.

[maroongem]

You're lucky, 17 machines in your area shops is great. Around here we have the ubiquitious VV-X (full cabinet model) & XIs showing up from time to time and perhaps a disc Columbia or two. Edison disc machines are fairly uncommon in these parts but I've seen a few of the cylinder Standards & Homes (B & C models) show up from time to time. All are grossly over-priced and languish there forever.
I'm not aware at this time of any hard data from the Edison Works that can definitively date a Disc Phonograph by serial number. It has been said that Edison deigned keeping records of such matters but who knows, perhaps something may turn up as they go through the site at W. Orange as they are refurbishing it.

Bill

[jonlem1]

we are lucky to see as many machines in the Cincinnati area, but as you said, all are no doubt over priced. Here is an example, you can tell me about the proce - a C200 - nice shape, mute ball, its what I would say original, and very good condition (Im really a huge antique radio collector so I use that experience to judge the cabinet and bright work) it has a nice dealers plate - came from a drug store in Ohio - the man wants 1195.00 for it. - Serial sm-24209

[jonlem1]

If you collect enough serial number data and patent date data, by chance if someone comes in with a later serial number and a later patent date, you can start to loosely get some ideas - it takes alot of help with serial numbers, machine data and patent data. Also, anyone - just one or two people who can furnish any paperwork sales data that is found in a machine can help somewhat, although that is loose because production and sales date can be very far apart. But in the end when a database grows and gets populated with enough data, you can start to make sense. Please talk to your connections and send me the data - that part is simple, and maybe in time some sense can be made - nothing lost - right??

[matty]

No, nothing lost
Have you come across any tags with a patent date after 1916?

Apparently there are records of most (if not all) cylinder machine serial numbers, which could date these machines to month & year, but they are in private hands & have not been published.
I would image the same info was recorded for the disc machines, but whether the same person has those, or if they are lost somewhere I don't know.

[jonlem1]

thats always the way - so until then - its a guessing game, but I have some repair data from a source that recorderd repair dates of some machines with serial numbers and bed plate numbers if I can find it - I bought an old receipt registe years ago and this little business sold and repaired edisons. I think it also had some sales data in it - as I said im looking for it - I may have sold it, but im looking - meantime Im just interested in collecting the info for my own fun - as said nothing lost.

[nefaurora]

I just picked up a very clean C-19, It has the 10", and 12" buttons. The last patent date is 1916 as those above. It has a late serial number of SM 170928. I'm guessing that it was made around 1926 or 1927. Anyone seen a C-19 serial number this late??? E-mail me at: [e-mail] and respond the same here. It has the red mahogany finish. Thanks, Tony K.

[lucius1958]

Pardon me for digging ghoulishly into an ancient thread:

I have a BC-34 that is, to me, a bit of a puzzle. The serial number is 4585; which seems fairly early, considering the large number of this model produced. The horn is a No. 100, which is supposed to have been used only during the first two months of production.

However, it also has the 10/12" buttons and orange felt associated with the late models.

I have no reason to believe this machine was altered at any later date; or that Edison 'recycled' serial numbers on popular models... ?

Bill

[gregory45]

I have just found this forum, and i have just purchased a BC-34 - Serial number 25345. The assembly/inspection sheet inside the cabinet is dated September 14, 1928. So it is 89 years old as of yesterday. Hope that helps a bit.

[dave61]

This looks like an old thread but since there's a recent post I'll add to it. I just got a B200, serial #SM2283.

[jamescanada]

Is this post still active ? I just got my first machine Edison Disc Phonograph A200 SM5834 last patent date Mar11, 1913.

[lucius1958]

This post, and the board itself, are as active as long as anyone posts on it.

You might want to check George Frow's book on the DD machines: although he does not give many specifics on all models, you will find some general information on the A/B 200.

BillS

[nefaurora]

"This post, and the board itself, are as active as long as anyone posts on it.

You might want to check George Frow's book on the DD machines: although he does not give many specifics on all models, you will find some general information on the A/B 200."


+1

Bill is right. Also, Do a Google Search on Edison A-200 or Edison B-200 and it should also provide some good info..

)

Tony K. ([e-mail])

Edison Collector/Restorer